America, Land of Many Cultures

Media: Tempera on Wood, sealed with clear acrylic

The Art Enrichment program was a before and after school program available for students in 4^th and 5^th grade in Music and Art.   One of the semesters of studies in both areas focused on diversity of the American population.  Mary Sommersberger, the Music Teacher, selected a variety of ethnic songs for the students to learn.  Sherril Vandenberg, the Art Teacher, had students research the native dress of a variety of children from around the world.  The diverse population of Washington Elementary was the starting place.  Each student designed their child from the research they had done.  An end of the school year program was the culmination of the combined work.  The Art Enrichment students performed songs from around the world and the new children were installed on the gym wall.  Each year the program ended with the song “Weave Us Together” while the students wove the ribbons of a Maypole together.  This tradition took place for several years.

Presented to the Mead Public Library from the Children of Washington Elementary School, August 2014.
Washington School closed June 2013.